The Archway (MO) Chapter of the Links, Incorporated designs and delivers sustainable programs that promote civic, cultural, and educational activities. Our programming enhances competencies and or reduce disparities for people of color in our community. Driven by the Links’ core value of service, the chapter averages over five thousand volunteer hours each year. Lives are transformed through five program facets; Services to Youth, The Arts, National Trends and Services, International Trends and Services and Health and Human Services.

The disparity in educational outcomes for African American and low-income students impacts our community. The chapter is building a strong relationship with Marian Middle School, the only private, faith-based middle school for girls in St. Louis. Our Project L.E.A.D. programming and group mentoring encourage academic success and college readiness. STEAM workshops introduce Marian girls to the Bloxel video game development platform.

The Archway (MO) Chapter is committed to increasing awareness about human trafficking. The FBI lists St. Louis as one of the top 20 cities for human trafficking in the United States. A collaboration with Webster University has produced three bi-annual panel discussions on this criminal and inhumane industry. Additional programming addresses domestic violence. For more than a decade, the chapter provided transformational programming for the Women’s Safe House (TWSH), a local non-profit providing safe shelter and support services for battered women and their children.

The Archway (MO) Chapter creates and supports art-related activities for children and adults, often in collaboration with the St. Louis Art Museum. Our innovative programming features curated tours, movie screenings, mural art, violin classes, and photography workshops. Collaborating with Opera Theatre of St. Louis, the chapter enjoyed the world premiere of the powerful opera Fire Shut Up in My Bones. A signature initiative of The Central Area, of The Links, Incorporated is supported by the chapter. My Community Through the Eyes of the 21st Century African American Child: Linking Images, encourages students to look at their world from a new perspective through art and photography.

The Archway (MO) Chapter provides global outreach to underserved International Communities. We work with other St. Louis Region Chapters and Washington University Global Health Fellows to provide menstrual cycle support for girls in Uganda. Talking about menstruation is taboo in some countries. The Links’ effort helps girls stay in school by providing the supplies and education they need to manage menstruation.

The Archway (MO) Chapter takes pride in program planning and execution. Our efforts are recognized in the 2019 Central Area Best Practices Book for our Human Trafficking program. We also received multiple awards during the 41st National Assembly of The Links, Incorporated recognizing our work at Marian Middle School and the Women's Safe House.

Our commitment to the community drives all that we do.

Health

The Chapter is laser focused on addressing the health disparities Black Americans face. In 2023, 80 women joined us for our first Women’s Health Empowerment Symposium focused on breast, heart, kidney, and mental health issues and emphasizing the importance of prevention through regular medical check-ups, healthy eating, stress management and regular exercise. The Chapter was awarded a $10,000 Black K.A.R.E. grant from Baxter to conduct programs to educate and improve awareness of the impact of kidney disease within the Black community. More than 300 community members participated in this programming which provided information on chronic kidney disease and preventative measures, as well as on-site health screenings. In partnership with the Gateway (IL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, we received a 2nd Place Collaboration Award for our Black K.A.R. E. Men’s Health Symposium at the 47th Central Area Conference of The Links, Incorporated.

Education

Supporting students and improving educational outcomes has been and continues to be a priority for the Chapter. Since inception, we have awarded over $90,000 in scholarships to deserving college bound high school students through our Community Service Scholarship Program. This year our awards were partially underwritten by a $5,000 grant from Ameren Missouri. We are grateful for their continued support.

Since 2016, the Chapter has partnered with Marian Middle School providing tailored programming designed to empower the girls to use their intellect and achievements to become successful and productive citizens. Our “Speed Linking” Mentorship connects the girls with Archway (MO) Link members to discuss careers, college planning, and, more importantly, preparation. Through our partnership with the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), we sponsor a NSBEJr chapter at the school which focuses on Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM) programs and activities. In 2023, the Chapter was recognized for participating in Project LITE (Links Increase Technology through Education) and the program was named a Best Practices Program at the 47th Central Area Conference of The Links, Incorporated.

The Arts

The Chapter also focuses on increasing and expanding art-related education and awareness, particularly for our young people. Recent programs include a private screening and discussion forum for “Wakanda Forever” and a digital photography workshop for middle and high school youth in collaboration with the St. Louis (MO) and Gateway (IL) chapters.

International

We are proud of our collaborations and partnerships with AFS, Vitendo for Africa, and the Quest Scholarship Fund. Together we have provided meaningful programs and support services to African and International students and families both here and abroad. In addition, through a collaboration with the St. Louis (MO) and Gateway (IL) chapters, we provided menstrual hygiene products to girls in several Uganda schools.

Social Justice

Social justice is of critical importance to our Chapter. Over the years we have supported voter education, voter registration drives, and issue advocacy. In 2023, we joined other Missouri chapters for Links Day at the Capitol.